Live from New England: Could Jimmy Garoppolo Land in Minnesota?
For years, the New England Patriots had zero quarterback concerns thanks to Tom Brady. Now, with Drake Maye showing promise, there’s hope for the future. But in between, the quarterback position has been a revolving door—and one name that never truly got his shot in Foxborough was Jimmy Garoppolo.
After spending just three seasons with the Patriots, Garoppolo moved on to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played on some big stages. Since then, he’s bounced around the league as a backup, and now, heading into the 2025-26 season, he’s looking for a new home.
CBS Sports: Garoppolo to the Vikings?
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, the Minnesota Vikings could be that next destination. With uncertainty surrounding Sam Darnold’s future and J.J. McCarthy still developing, Garoppolo could be a veteran bridge option.
Benjamin: “At 33, Garoppolo is older and less explosive than Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ 2024 starter. He’s also likely to come much cheaper, and he played on some big stages under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with the San Francisco 49ers. He could be another placeholder until young J.J. McCarthy is ready.”
A Backup Plan in Minnesota?
If Garoppolo were to land in Minnesota, he likely wouldn’t be the Week 1 starter. The Vikings still have to decide on Darnold, and by all accounts, McCarthy is expected to be fully ready for the 2025 season.
But what if McCarthy struggles? That’s where a veteran presence like Garoppolo could come in. The former Patriots QB might not be the long-term solution, but he could be a reliable insurance policy for a team trying to transition into a new era.
As the NFL offseason heats up, keep an eye on Garoppolo and the Vikings—this connection might just make sense.
